Running for Your Life
Scripture Reading — 1 Kings 19:1-18
Elijah was afraid and ran for his life.
—1 Kings 19:3
More people run for their lives every day in our time than ever before. In the news every day we can find harrowing stories of flight from famine, disease, or war. This is especially true of people fleeing persecution because of race or religion. For example, there are pockets of Christians in many countries of the world who live in daily fear of capture. They know they might have to flee from their homes if the authorities become too interested in their meetings.
One day, Elijah learned that had to “run for his life.” The wicked queen Jezebel wanted to kill him. He was so full of fear that he prayed for his life to end. He had tried to bring the people back to God, but, in his mind, Elijah had failed. He thought he was the only one left who truly believed in God.
But God reassured him. God revealed his magnificent power and also his compassionate tenderness. The Lord showed Elijah that the world could not stand against his divine will.
Elijah learned that was not alone: more than seven thousand others in Israel had not bowed down to Jezebel’s god.
Elijah found that he did not have to run in fear—he could walk forward in faith.
Elijah’s God is also with us today. We are not alone. We need not fear, for he is in control.
Dear Lord, sometimes I fear that the forces of evil are over-whelming. I know that help is found only in your name. So I call to you for help in facing the challenges of my life. Amen.
About the author — Jason Zuidema
Jason Zuidema lives in Repentigny, Quebec, with his wife, Anna, and their three children. He is a graduate of Calvin Theological Seminary and currently serves as executive director of the North American Maritime Ministry Association. He is the author of a special Seafarers edition of Today devotions published by ReFrame Media in 2012.
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